Once you submit your leave, Cocoon will automatically notify your employer and your manager. Exact next steps will depend on your particular leave type and leave plan, but here are the key parts of the process to keep in mind.
You’ll get important leave documents in your inbox
Cocoon will send you notice(s) required by federal and state law. The exact notices vary based on the type of leave you are taking, but you may receive:
An eligibility notice: this will outline the details of your leave eligibility
A designation notice: this will contain details about your approved leave time
Other required notices: there are sometimes additional documents required by law
Check the "Your tasks" dashboard for important leave tasks
Exact tasks will depend on your leave type and any benefit programs you’re eligible for. You may need to:
Complete and return your leave forms—these may include Serious Health Condition forms that need to be filled out by your doctor, and more
If you’re eligible for benefits through state programs and/or private insurance, you will need to file required claims with the appropriate state program or private insurance carrier
Provide any documentation requested
File claims as soon as possible—delays can impact your payments
You may hear from state entities or insurance programs as they review your claims
Your insurance carrier may reach out for more information before they approve payments
These questions help them confirm eligibility for benefits
If you don’t feel equipped to answer on your own, make sure to work with your medical provider
If you receive any notices that you don’t understand, reach out to [email protected] and we’ll help you out
Remember: Don't worry—the process can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. We're here to support you through everything we can.
If you are eligible for paid leave, here's how it works
If you’re eligible for benefits from state programs and private insurance, we’ll estimate the anticipated amount
This estimated benefit amount is deducted from your regular paycheck from your employer
To receive the benefits you’re eligible for, you need to file the appropriate claims (more on that below)
After you file your claims, the approval process may take a few weeks, during which you will only receive pay from your employer
If your claims are approved, you’ll receive benefit payments directly from the state or private insurance carrier
Your responsibilities throughout leave
It’s important to focus on your reason for taking leave, but there are some responsibilities to keep in mind to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Keep copies of everything you submit and receive related to your leave
Communicate changes to your leave dates and plan as soon as possible to your HR team
Respond promptly to any requests for information or documentation from state programs and insurance carriers
Complete any required claims and leave paperwork and submit them in a timely manner—deadlines and forms depend on the type of leave you’re taking
If you’re welcoming a child, remember that you have 30 days after their birth or placement to add them to your health insurance
How to prepare for your return to work
Returning to work after leave is a big transition. Here's how to prepare:
A few weeks before your planned return:
If you need to make any changes to your leave dates, communicate with your HR team and manager
Have an open conversation about any adjustments you might need
Consider any workplace accommodations that might help
Work with your manager to prepare for your return to work
Building support:
Connect with colleagues who have taken similar leave
Don't expect to do everything yourself—ask for help before you need it
Remember that returning to work is a gradual process
Where to get support
You're not alone in this process. Here's who to contact for different types of support:
For questions about your leave, claims, or pay:
Contact Cocoon Support at [email protected]
Support can help with leave planning, claims questions, pay tracking, and other leave-related questions
For questions about your job or company policies:
Contact your HR team or manager
They can help with return-to-work planning and workplace accommodations
For medical questions:
Consult with your healthcare provider
They can provide updated medical certifications if needed
For benefit payment delays:
If you do not receive expected payments from state or private claims, reach out directly to the respective state agencies to address the issue
Remember: We're here to help make this process as smooth as possible. Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, no matter how small they might seem.